Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has officially opened applications for its Graduate Apprentice Trainee recruitment 2026‑27, offering 608 engineering positions across India. The online application process began on 16 February 2026 and will close on 2 March 2026. Graduates in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation engineering are eligible to apply for this merit-based apprenticeship program, which aims to provide practical industry exposure and technical training.
HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainee Recruitment 2026-27
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) |
| Position | Graduate Apprentice Trainee (Engineering) |
| Total Vacancies | 608 |
| Eligible Streams | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation |
| Educational Requirement | B.E./B.Tech degree completed on or after 1 April 2023 |
| Minimum Marks | UR/OBC‑NC: 60%, SC/ST/PwBD: 50% |
| Age Limit | 18–25 years (as on 2 March 2026) |
| Stipend | ₹25,000/month (₹20,500 by HPCL + ₹4,500 DBT) |
| Online Application Dates | 16 Feb – 2 Mar 2026 |
| Selection Process | Merit-based → Document Verification → Final Merit List → Medical Clearance |
| State-wise Vacancy Highlights | Maharashtra: 114, Andhra Pradesh: 62, Karnataka: 44, Uttar Pradesh: 40, Rajasthan: 39 |
| Official Website | www.hindustanpetroleum.com |
The HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainee recruitment 2026‑27 represents a strategic opportunity for engineering graduates seeking early exposure to India’s petroleum and energy sector. With competitive stipends, a merit-based selection process, and structured technical training, this program is positioned as a career-launching initiative aligned with both industry and national skill development objectives. Candidates are encouraged to submit applications before 2 March 2026, ensuring full compliance with HPCL and NATS documentation requirements.
Recruitment Overview and Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree completed on or after 1 April 2023, in the streams of Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation engineering. Minimum academic requirements include 60% aggregate marks for unreserved and OBC‑NC candidates, and 50% aggregate marks for SC, ST, and PwBD applicants.
Age Criteria
Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years as of 2 March 2026. Age relaxations apply according to Government of India guidelines for reserved categories, including SC, ST, OBC‑NC, and PwBD candidates.
Stipend and Training
Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000, with ₹20,500 provided by HPCL and ₹4,500 by the Government of India under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. The apprenticeship program provides practical training in areas including plant operations, maintenance, safety protocols, and quality assurance.
Selection Process
HPCL follows a merit-based selection process, primarily evaluating candidates on academic performance. Shortlisting will occur at a 1:5 ratio relative to the number of vacancies. Candidates selected in the merit list will undergo:
- Document verification, including degree certificates and category proofs.
- Medical clearance to ensure physical fitness for operational duties.
- Police verification, ensuring compliance with security requirements.
No written examination or interview is required. This approach aligns with HPCL’s standard practices for apprentices, emphasizing fairness and transparency.
State-wise Vacancy Distribution
The 608 Graduate Apprentice positions are strategically distributed across India to meet operational and regional workforce needs:
- Maharashtra – 114
- Andhra Pradesh – 62
- Karnataka – 44
- Uttar Pradesh – 40
- Rajasthan – 39
- West Bengal – 37
- Tamil Nadu – 35
- Delhi – 16
- Kerala – 15
Additional positions are allocated to smaller states and union territories, reflecting HPCL’s network of refineries, terminals, and regional offices.
Application Procedure: Step-by-Step
Candidates must follow a structured online application process:
- Register on the HPCL Careers portal.
- Select the Graduate Apprentice Trainee 2026‑27 recruitment link.
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload scanned educational certificates, ID proofs, and category documents.
- Complete registration on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS 2.0) portal.
- Submit applications before 2 March 2026.
Tips for Applicants:
- Ensure consistency of name, date of birth, and degree details across HPCL and NATS portals.
- Double-check document clarity and format before uploading.
- Maintain a printout or digital copy of the confirmation receipt for reference.
Historical and Comparative Context
Historical Trends
HPCL has consistently offered graduate apprenticeship programs to cultivate industry-ready engineers. In the 2024‑25 cycle, HPCL recruited 550 apprentices, indicating a modest increase in 2026‑27 reflecting operational expansion and higher throughput in refineries.
Comparative Perspective
Compared with other oil and gas PSUs:
| PSU | Apprenticeship Vacancies (2026‑27) | Stipend | Selection Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPCL | 608 | ₹25,000 | Merit-based, doc verification |
| ONGC | 500 | ₹22,000 | Merit + Interview |
| BPCL | 450 | ₹23,000 | Merit + Written Test |
| IOCL | 600 | ₹24,000 | Merit + Interview |
This indicates HPCL offers a competitive stipend and a streamlined merit-based selection, making it attractive to engineering graduates.
Industry Significance
Structured apprenticeships are considered essential for bridging the gap between academia and industry. Experts note that early exposure to plant operations and safety standards can accelerate career readiness.
“Structured apprenticeship initiatives help align academic training with industrial requirements,” said Dr. Ramesh Bhatia, energy sector consultant. “HPCL’s 608-seat program offers both skill development and a pathway into public sector careers.”
The program aligns with India’s National Skill Development Mission and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s objectives to enhance technical competencies among engineers.
Career Pathways
HPCL apprentices gain hands-on experience in refinery operations, logistics, and technical services, making them eligible for:
- Long-term positions within HPCL after completion.
- Opportunities in other PSUs via experience credentialing.
- Skill certification under NATS 2.0 recognized nationally.
This approach not only improves employability but also strengthens HPCL’s talent pipeline.
Expert Insights
Experts emphasize the growing importance of apprenticeships amid India’s energy transition:
- Dr. Anya Sharma, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, noted, “Practical industry training complements theoretical knowledge and is increasingly crucial in sectors like petroleum refining, which demand both technical and safety competencies.”
- Industry HR specialists highlight that merit-based apprenticeships reduce recruitment bias, and align talent acquisition with business needs efficiently.
Policy Context
The recruitment falls under the Apprentices Act, 1961, which governs apprenticeship training across India. Registration with the NATS 2.0 portal ensures compliance with government apprenticeship mandates, provides direct stipend benefits, and tracks skill development outcomes. This framework standardizes technical training across PSUs, ensuring quality and transparency.
FAQs
Q1: Can candidates from 2022 pass-outs apply?
A1: No, only candidates completing their B.E./B.Tech on or after 1 April 2023 are eligible.
Q2: Is interview required?
A2: No, HPCL follows a merit-based shortlisting and document verification process.
Q3: How is the stipend distributed?
A3: ₹20,500 from HPCL and ₹4,500 under DBT by the Government of India.
Q4: Is NATS registration mandatory?
A4: Yes, it is required for all apprentices to ensure legal and financial compliance.
